These were two valuable discoveries.

The hatchet would be of great service to him not only in the root fortress but even more in forcing a pathway through the canebrakes when he should again cross the river and try to reach one of the forts.

The salt he must have at any cost, and as he had no bag he made one by ripping off the sleeve of his coat and tying its ends with strips of bark.

He had just filled it, and tied up the ends when, hearing a noise, he turned, and saw two Indians within six feet of him..